Devendra Fadnavis led BJP-Sena government withdrew at least six rioting cases against 85-year-old right wing activist Sambhaji Bhide on Sunday, reported NewsX. Apart from cleaning Bhide’s name in six rioting cases, the BJP government also withdrew cases against hundred’s of his workers. The following information was revealed by an RTI.

Activist Shakeel Ahmed Sheikh, who filed the RTI in this matter, stated that after coming to power in 2014, Maharashtra government has withdrawn three cases against Bhide which were filed against him in 2008 for allegedly vandalising cinema halls during the screen of Hrithik Roshan-Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starrer, Jodhaa Akhbar.

The information adds that several cases registered against BJP and Shiv Sena workers have also been withdrawn by the government. The information revealed by the RTI added that at least eight circulars were issued by the Maharashtra government. the circulars demanded the withdrawal of cases registered against right-wing activist Sambhaji Bhide, political leaders belonging to BJP and Shiv Sena and hundreds of their party workers, stated NewsX.

Earlier, a report formed by a 10-member committee that was formed by Pune Police stated that the Bhima-Koregaon violence that took place on 1st January was orchestrated by Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote. One person was said to be killed in the violence while scores sustained injuries.

Previously, a social activist had also filed a petition with the Bombay High Court seeking the arrest of Sambhaji Bhide who was being accused of irking the sentiments of the people that led to Bhima-Koregaon violence. The social activist had filed an FIR against Bhide on 2nd January this year after the massive clashes broke out. The deceased who was killed in the violence was identified as Rahul Fatangle.

As per current developments in Bhima-Koregaon violence case, the Pune Police had stated that five human rights activists were behind the violence of Bhima-Koregaon. The report added that the speeches delivered by the activists — Varavara Rao, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Sudha Bharadwaj and Gautam Navlakha at Elgar Parishad led to the violence. Its been more than 20 days that the activists have been put on house arrest on orders by the Supreme Court.